14th December 2023 to 20th December 2023
Southport to Sydney
From £1280 per person
Deposit 25%. Balance due 12 weeks before departure
Join a passage from Southport to Sydney, perfect for gaining sea miles and honing your sailing skills. Navigate from Gold Coast to Sydney in preparation for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Suited to
Singles, Couples, Groups
Difficulty
Intermediate. Some sailing experience required
Nights onboard
6
Vessel type
Steel-hulled, 30-ton, ketch-rigged sailing vessel
Vessel length
70ft
Skipper
Yes
Berth Style
Single Bunk
Duration: 6 nights from 14 to 20 December 2023
From AUD$2450 / £1280
A coastal passage from Southport on Queensland's Gold Coast to Sydney, New South Wales, ideal for building sea miles and gaining valuable sailing experience. You'll actively participate in sailing the yacht to Sydney, preparing for our entry into the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which begins on Boxing Day (26 December 2023).
Setting off from Southport, we'll head southeast towards Cape Byron, the easternmost point of Australia, known for its stunning cliffs and iconic lighthouse, before changing course towards Sydney. The 383-nautical-mile journey typically takes 3 to 5 days, navigating through shipping lanes and past picturesque islands. It's a challenging yet rewarding adventure that culminates in the excitement of an iconic maritime event.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- This journey provides an excellent opportunity to hone your sailing skills and accumulate valuable sea miles.
- Explore the breathtaking coastal landscapes along Australia's eastern coast.
- Brace yourself for a thrilling 383 nautical mile voyage filled with both challenges and rewarding moments, navigating through shipping lanes and past scenic islands.
- Join a group of like-minded sailing enthusiasts on board a 70+ foot “unlimited” vessel, and become part of a memorable sailing adventure that brings people together through a shared passion for the sea.
Who The Trip Is For
- Whether you're new to sailing or eager to build your sea miles and sailing skills, this coastal passage offers the perfect opportunity to learn and gain valuable experience on the open waters.
- For adventure lovers who seek excitement beyond the ordinary, this voyage presents the thrill of navigating challenging waters while taking in the beauty of Australia's coastline.
- For those looking to participate in the iconic 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, this trip is an essential part of your preparation and a chance to bond with fellow racers.
Itinerary:
You can fly directly into Gold Coast or Brisbane on or before the 14th December 2023 in time to join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the morning of the 15th we will complete safety training and familiarise you with the yacht before departing around midday for Sydney. Depending on wind direction and currents it should be about 3-5 days to sail to Sydney to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), host of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, where we should arrive by the 19th December. At the CYCA, the history of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is on display including the hulls of every race winner and all of the perpetual race trophies awarded each year. You should plan to fly out of Sydney at or after 17:00 on the 20th of December.
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Southport and Sydney, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and a towel are also included along with sun cream.
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete either a 5-hour online or 2-day classroom-based Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent prior to departure.
It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore on either side of the trip: Airbnb, Booking.com, Wotif and Vrbo (HomeAway).
Salt Lines is a 70ft, steel-hulled, 30-ton, ketch-rigged sailing vessel. Built to Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) unlimited survey requirements, she was the second of the Laurent Giles Shipwright 70 class built on Tyneside by AMARC (TES) Ltd in 1990 for the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT). She was launched and named the John Laing by Lady Laing in Poole, UK.
Here’s what you will experience on board
- Familiarisation with all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
- Training in the use of PDFs (Personal Flotation Devices), PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoys, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
- Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well-being aboard.
- Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications/customs and sail/motor arrival plan.
- Multi-day, offshore passage making 24/7 on a significant Category 1 offshore passage.
- Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
- Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking the weather and monitoring AIS and radar for both traffic and rain squalls.
- Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating the best route to destination.
- Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
- Routine checks of bilges, engine, electrical systems, sails and hardware for preventative maintenance.
- Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Gold Coast or Brisbane Airports
Gold Coast or Brisbane
Itinerary:
You can fly directly into Gold Coast or Brisbane on or before the 14th December 2023 in time to join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the morning of the 15th we will complete safety training and familiarise you with the yacht before departing around midday for Sydney. Depending on wind direction and currents it should be about 3-5 days to sail to Sydney to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), host of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, where we should arrive by the 19th December. At the CYCA, the history of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is on display including the hulls of every race winner and all of the perpetual race trophies awarded each year. You should plan to fly out of Sydney at or after 17:00 on the 20th of December.
